Tracking the market and economic trends that shape your finances.

Mortgage rates holding steady, Freddie Mac says

There's been little change in home mortgage interest rates this week, with no clear trend in economic and housing data to affect the cost of loans, Freddie Mac says.

The widely watched weekly survey by the government-controlled mortgage finance company showed lenders were offering 30-year fixed-rate loans at an average of 4.52%.

The 15-year fixed mortgage was at 3.66%, Freddie's survey, released Thursday morning, showed.

That was up from 4.51% and 3.65% a week earlier -- a statistically insignificant move.

Borrowers would have needed solid credit and 20% down payments or home equity to obtain the loans, and would have paid 0.7% of the loan amount to the lenders in fees and points, Freddie Mac said.

The survey asked lenders about the terms they were offering for popular loans. Industry participants say solid borrowers who shop around often can negotiate slightly better deals. And of course paying additional points up front can bring down the rate.